ENTERTAINMENT
Play Social Inc., the creator of the Play Playground social game experience with locations in Las Vegas and Nashville, announced the appointment of Phil Royle as its new chief executive officer, beginning Jan. 5. A veteran of Merlin Entertainments with more than 25 years of international attractions development experience, Royle will lead Play Social Inc.’s evolution as the company positions Play Playground for expansion into additional U.S. and global markets.
As Play Social Inc.’s flagship social game destination, Play Playground was developed to help guests experience the power of play through larger-than-life physical games, nostalgic challenges and a high-energy food and beverage program. Each venue blends playful competition with social spaces, specialty cocktails and memorable, shareable moments — fostering an environment where connection comes naturally and friendly rivalry sparks genuine joy.
Royle’s career achievements include driving major attraction projects from concept to opening. He began his career at Chessington World of Adventures and the London Eye in the United Kingdom. He later relocated to North America, where he contributed to the development of seven Gateway Attractions, including LEGOLAND Discovery Centers in New York, Georgia and Texas.
He went on to hold key roles, including vice president of LEGOLAND development and operations, and later became the first employee of LEGOLAND New York Resort, where he secured large-scale community and state support and guided the project through its approval and early operational stages. His leadership also extended across international markets through major development roles at LEGOLAND Korea Resort and LEGOLAND Shanghai Resort.
As he assumes the role, Play Social Inc. CEO and Co-Founder Jennifer Worthington will transition into an ongoing strategic position as a board member, continuing to champion the company’s creative vision and long-term trajectory.
“We are excited to welcome Phil as Play Social’s CEO,” Worthington said. “He embraces our philosophy on the importance of play as a means of connection and shares our excitement about delivering larger-than-life experiences. Under his leadership, we look forward to bringing Play Playground’s theatrical hospitality to additional markets, enabling more communities to rediscover the magic and wonder of play.”
FINANCE
• Bank of America has retained Nikki Dadlani as a private client advisor. With 23 years of experience in banking and finance, and a background in private, consumer and commercial banking across both the U.S. and India, her expertise spans relationship management, strategic financial advising, treasury, commercial real estate and construction financing, SBA lending and business development. Her previous role earned her recognition as a Top Private Banker over the past several years.
She is involved in the Southern Nevada business community, serving on several boards and committees including the Southern Nevada Chapter of Alliance of Mergers & Acquisition Advisors (AM&AA), Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM), Commercial Real Estate Development association (NAIOP) and the Southern Nevada Estate Planning Council (SNEPC).
NONPROFIT
• Special Olympics Nevada announced the addition of Sara Nixon as programs manager, bringing more than 25 years of experience in the competitive sports industry.
In her new role, Nixon will oversee all Southern Nevada sports competitions, supporting athletes, coaches and volunteers throughout the region.
Nixon joins the organization with extensive experience in the competitive skating community through her work with a local skating academy in Las Vegas. In this role, she helps oversee the Learn to Skate program and provides private instruction to both figure skaters and hockey players. She has coached athletes across multiple levels of competition and is an active member of the United States Figure Skating Association and Learn to Skate USA. Nixon holds a bachelor’s degree in mass communications with an emphasis in journalism from Idaho State University.
Outside of her professional career, ice hockey remains a meaningful part of Nixon’s life. Both of her sons have played competitive travel hockey for more than 12 years, further deepening her connection to the sport and the athlete community.
“We are thrilled to welcome Sara to the Special Olympics Nevada family,” said Terrence Thornton, CEO of Special Olympics Nevada. “Her experience in competitive sports will be instrumental in strengthening our mission and expanding opportunities for the athletes and families we serve.”
Special Olympics Nevada works to create inclusive opportunities for children and adults with intellectual disabilities through health, education, leadership development and sports. The 501(c)3 nonprofit organization offers free year-round training and competition programs for 2,653 athletes who compete in more than 14 competitions in seven sports, annually, within the Community Sports Program. The Unified Champion Schools Program encourages leadership development and the growth of Unified Sports, bringing together athletes with and without intellectual disabilities to play as teammates. In 2022, Special Olympics Nevada launched a new program, Mindset Matters, which provides mental health and stress management techniques to students in Nevada schools. In a typical year, Special Olympics Nevada impacts more than 17,820 students by promoting inclusion on school campuses. Special Olympics Nevada is committed to improving the overall health and well-being of individuals with intellectual disabilities through Healthy Athletes events, offering screenings and services free of charge. Special Olympics Nevada relies on the support of 759 volunteers and funding from individuals, organizations, corporations and foundations. More information may be found by visiting sonv.org and following on Facebook, Instagram (@specialolympicsnv), Twitter (@SONevada) and LinkedIn.
